A COALITION of criminal justice and race equality organisations have warned the Prime Minister that the government’s plans for policing and sentencing will worsen racial inequality in the criminal justice system.

Ministers debated reforms to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill today.

The open letter from the Criminal Justice Alliance, EQUAL CJS, and Clinks and Leaders Unlocked says the government has already conceded that the new proposals will disproportionately impact black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) communities.

Referencing the inequalities black and minority ethnic people will face as a result of the new bill, the government said this was “a proportionate means of achieving the legitimate aim of protecting the public.”

However, they have admitted that there is “limited evidence that the combined set of measures will deter offenders’ long term or reduce overall crime.”

The coalition have now called on the government in an open letter to withdraw the elements of the Bill which will increase racial inequality, and instead launch a public consultation that will make changes that avoid discriminatory practises.

Shadae Cazeau, Head of Policy at EQUAL, warned that the passing of the Bill will only cause further distrust among BAME communities.

“We predict that the changes introduced by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will lead to a further increase in racial disparities across the criminal justice system and deeper feelings of mistrust from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities,” she said.

“The government must engage with the communities who will be disproportionality impacted by the proposals to really understand the implications of the Bill. We call on the government to withdraw and consult on the Bill as a matter of urgency.”

In England and Wales, over one quarter (27%) of people in prison are from a minority ethnic group, though minorities only make up 14% of the total population. Black people are 53% more likely than white people to be sent to prison for offences that can only be tried at the Crown Court.